Long Distance Races

In 1937 two BR.20As were used in the Istres-Damascus-Paris race.

In 1939, piloted by Maner Lualdi, Giuseppe Mazzochi, and E. Valente flew a specially built BR.20L almost 3,000 miles from Rome to Addis Ababa. His average speed was over 250 mph which was a world record for its category.

Spain

The 7° and 13° Stormo BTs / 35° Gruppo Autonomo da Bombardamento took their BR.20s to Spain in 1937. They were there for about a year and a half.

Japan

Japan ordered 100 BR.20s.

In 1938-1939 85 BR.20s were shipped to Japan. Japan used these BR.20s in China.

The Japanese paid for them with soya beans.

Venezuela

One BR.20 was shipped to Venezuela in 1938.

Entry into War

In June 1940 there were four stormi that flew 148 BR.20s, the 7°, 13°, 18°, and 43°.

Battle of Britain

In Belgium there were 80 BR.20s that were used in raids against England in October and November 1940. They were members of the 13° and 43° Stormi. They suffered heavy casualties. Within 300 hours 20 of the 80 were shot down.

North Africa

The Fiat engines were unsuitable in the desert conditions of North Africa.

Italian Armistice

There were only 67 BR.20s in service at the time of the Italian Armistice.